GSU over USA in Double Overtime! 10-22-11

GSU over USA in Double Overtime! 

Extra point after first touchdown is Good! Note the raised blue tube noise makers!

Thousands of Panther Fans, Students, and Alumni, arrived at the Dome, to celebrate Homecoming, "Ready for Some Football" (to quote the beleaguered Hank Williams, Jr.) The Panther Football team showed up and DELIVERED! (Video below of the "Panther Walk," when most of the team, coaches, etc. walk between the fans/families, while entering the Dome.)

It was nice to see the tail-gating, pre-game activities, and half-time activities helping raise the bar for fan participation! I was introduced to The Regulars Band last year, when they played in the Dome. This year's encore was in the Orange Lot. (The video is a little shaky, but The Regulars sound great!)

To help our fans, the cheer and dance spirit teams taught/led GSU cheers, on the field with the band, as part of the band's performance. The Panther's play revved up the fans, and we ROCKED the Dome! The enthusiasm and noise level in the DOME were second only to our Inaugural Game.

The Georgia State Homecoming Court was presented during half-time. Here's a picture of the Princess, Prince, Queen, and King on the Jumbo-tron! (More photos in galleries with links at the end of the blog.)

GSU Homecoming Princess and Queen on Jumbo-tron

If I were a nail-biter, I'd have no nails left tonight! This game was a roller-coaster, with non-stop up and down action! And, since this blog is from a Mama's perspective, I will tell you: this game was STRESSFUL to watch! (Although it was not quite as stressful as when my own son is playing, I could have done with a little less "excitement!") The Panther's kept fighting, though, and the end result was worth it! We all needed this win!

The Panthers led the entire game, until USA tied it up with 4 seconds to go! Finally, two over-time periods later, we won a hard fought victory 27-20! WHEW! What a ride!  

My son, (#18) Blake Wyatt's, roommate, Mark Hogan, had two fabulous plays: an interception and a tipped pass. 

Mark Hogan's Proud GSU Panther Dad and Mom (Mark and Beverly)

Donald Russell, Christian Benvenuto, Jake Muasau, Albert Wilson, Kelton Hill, and others, made some game changing plays. Our Panther defense held their ground at the goal line, and kept USA from scoring several times.

EVERY Panther Football player, BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD, contributed to the MAGIC today! Our UNSUNG HEROES are those players who learned the plays, "did their jobs," and helped hone each other's skills--without receiving the glory! EVERY player, coach, and support staff member shares a part of this victory! Thank YOU!

If Blake is cleared to travel, I will send you a Panther Mama travelogue from Texas next week. If not, I will be soliciting help from other Panther Mamas to fill us in on the game in San Antonio! 

CONGRATULATIONS, GSU PANTHER FOOTBALL TEAM! 

Let's WIN in San Antonio! GO PANTHERS! 


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FOR GAME DAY PHOTOS, CLICK GALLERY LINKS BELOW: 

Click for Panther Mama's GSU vs USA Photos 

(Thanks fo Amanda Scott for her contributions)

Click for Amanda Scott's Photos